On 26 September 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reviewed the latest meetings of its Scientific Committees. On the agenda: three opinions from the RAC (Risk Assessment Committee) on proposed CLH classifications affecting ingredients that may be used in cosmetics.
Talc
The substance “Talc (Mg3H2(SiO3)4) - Silicate de magnésium hydraté” (No.CAS: 14807-96-6, No.EC: 238-877-9, INCI: Talc) is listed in the CosIng with the following functions: Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking, Bulking, Opacifying, Skin protecting, Slip modifier.
It is regulated by entry 59 of Annex III of European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, which requires the words “Keep powder away from children’s nose and mouth” to be displayed when used in powdery products intended for children under 3 years of age. It is not currently listed in Annex VI of European CLP Regulation 1272/2008.
The Netherlands proposal
The RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) proposed to classify the substance as follows. Hazard class and Category codes, Hazard statement codes
• Carc. 2, H351 - Suspected of causing cancer.
• STOT RE 1, H372 (lungs)(inhalation) - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Pictogram, Signal word code
• GHS08
• Dgr (Danger)
The RAC opinion
RAC agreed to the proposal by the Netherlands for STOT RE but adopted a more severe classification for carcinogenicity (Carc. 1B, H350 - May cause cancer).
Eugenol
The substance “eugenol; Phenol, 2-methoxy4-(2-propenyl)” (No.CAS: 97-53-0, No.EC: …
